Elizabeth is almost done with her first month of school. She's been doing well and I've enjoyed having some one on one time with her. To entertain the other two I do this: turn on the TV.
 |
| Elizabeth's drawings. This is the kind of thing that blows my mind. She draws objects and divides them into sections and then colors each section a different color. Most of the time she has no explanation what they are. This has to MEAN something, no?! |
 |
| First week down! |
 |
| Hand writing. It's already so neat! She's even better now. |
|
 |
| A C made out of play dough |
|
 |
| Spelling her name out with wooden letters. |
 |
| Doing handwriting work sheets. That's her special purple school box in the back! |
She was doing great her first week until I hit review day. Asking her to tell me what she had learned turned out to be tough on both of us. I had to call it quits as she got upset and broke out into hives! Sheesh. She really doesn't like tests! So I've slowed down the pace some. Also I'm afraid I'm part of the problem. I just don't know how to communicate simple commands and give her instructions at her level. We both end up frustrated. I figure I'll either learn to teach or hopefully not do damage before sending her off to someone who can!
It's been nice knowing I don't HAVE to do anything, but even a little something helps. Thanks to the great curriculum I bought I have tools from worksheets to online games to make it interesting and challenge her in different ways. I think I need to pick up the amount of moment-to-moment teaching opportunities. We rarely talk letters outside of school time.
I think soon I will take a break from letters and reading and try math. I'm really excited to see how she does with numbers. I think numbers are her thing!
5 comments:
Her birth dad has a doctorate in physics--of course her thing is numbers! Praying for you both--give her a hug from us!!
So fun!
As far as "testing" knowledge, it's tough for anyone to just tell someone what they have learned. Especially littles who don't remember what they had for breakfast. :-) Maybe make a game out of what you want to see if she remembers. Side walk chalk, scavenger hunt, asking questions while she hops like a bunny...anything to distract her from feeling like she is being tested. Also, testing knowledge at the end of the week really isn't needed, the curriculum should build on itself and is something is lacking you will find it as you move on. If you find something she needs more work on, just back it up and do it again. Pinterest is your friend when trying to review something in a new and creative way.
Life is learning, so don't stress about bringing up "school" throughout the day. She will start to show what she has learned when you are reading at bedtime or when she is playing with her siblings or toys. You are a loving mama who cares and that is all she needs. <3
Oh and Noah has a similar art style as well as being very math-brained. Maybe their little math brains like to divide their art? Maybe she would really appreciate mosiac or stained glass art?
Thanks for the ideas! My review is just a page in the Hooked On Phonics book. But I've also tried reviewing a little every day for repetitive learning and I think that's working well. She seems much more confident!
She did a great stained art project once! I might look into mosaic art for her. I'm glad to hear of another child with the same drawing style!
Post a Comment